A Memphis, TN woman, Sherry Wooten, 23, was charged with reckless homicide in the death of 71-year-old William Parker, who died of a heart attack after being attacked by pit bulls. Wooten was also charged with four counts of felony reckless endangerment in connection with attacks on four other people by the same dogs.

The pit bulls actually belonged to Bernard Humphrey, but Wooten, a friend of Humphrey, let the dogs loose on the day of the attacks. Police said Wooten was aware the animals were vicious. The pit bulls attacked Mr. Parker and his daughter, Gardenia Parker, after she ran to help him. Gardenia Parker said her life has been changed forever. “We have to wake up and live another day without him,” Parker said.

She recalled the horrific attack on her father. “When I got there, the dog had already tore both of his legs to pieces,” she said. “No skin, just bones there. It’s just a horrible sight to see my dad just lying there.” The dogs then attacked her. “I kept fighting the dogs because the dogs were still trying to attack him,” Parker said. The dogs knocked Gardenia down a hill, breaking her arm and she has bite wounds over a significant portion of her body.

Unfortunately, these types of animal attacks happen too often, despite the efforts of animal control agencies and responsible pet owners. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as a result of a dog bite or attack, it is very important to consult an experienced dog bite-animal attack lawyer that will work hard to assist you in recovering just compensation. Having someone fighting for you can help make the emotional and physical recovery process less painful.